Teen hit in head by softball dies at Erlanger
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The teen, Nick Locke, suffered his injury Friday just prior to a 14-and-under softball game in Midway. Locke, who plays first base, was tossing a ball around to warm up before an 8 p.m. game.
Eyewitnesses say Locke was warming up with a friend when his name was called. When Locke turned to see who was talking to him, he took his eye off the ball and was struck in the head.
The injury was not initially believed to be serious. Locke, in fact, played the whole game.
It was after the game when his behavior became cause for alarm. Onlookers say Locke was confused, didn’t remember just playing a game, and couldn’t remember his name.
Around 10 p.m. Locke was life-flighted to Erlanger from the Midway practice field. Fire trucks formed a triangle and used their emergency lights to show the helicopter pilot where to land.
As news spread that Locke’s medical condition was worsening, the Midway community showed its support. Ribbons have been displayed at the ball field and cups were placed in the fence to spell Locke’s name.
“Everybody is thinking about him and praying for him,” said Midway softball organizer Michael Bell before learning of Locke’s passing. “We’re all saddened by this situation.”
A family member at Erlanger told the Standard that Locke passed away at 4:50 p.m. Thursday.
Locke had been involved in a serious accident in March when his four-wheeler collided with one driven by friend Brandon Robbins. Locke suffered head injuries in the crash while Robbins had to be life-flighted. Robbins plays on the same Midway softball team as Locke.
It is not known if the four-wheeler accident may have caused more serious head injuries than first believed, injuries which were possibly aggravated by the impact of the softball.
Funeral services for Locke were not available at press time.